IDP Watch: Week Nine

IDP leagues can be won with some preemptive in-season pickups or trading for players who are on the rise, but whom the masses have not picked up on. Each week, we’ll detail a handful of IDP players or trends essential for dynasty players to monitor.

Often, things like quarterback hurries, quarterback knockdowns, or snap counts don’t appear in the box scores – these are key indicators of potential value changes that may be forthcoming as they show a particular player is getting after the quarterback and a string of sacks may be on the horizon or a linebacker may be coming off of the field more than originally expected.

The goal is to largely avoid stellar IDP players since many of those individuals are already heavily in the eyes of IDP owners. Instead, here are some players to keep an eye on based on week nine performances:

DeMarcus Lawrence, DE DAL

Once expected to be a top pick in 2014 rookie drafts, Lawrence missed most of training camp, the preseason and the first eight weeks of 2014 with a broken foot. He was active for the first time last week and played 41 percent of the team’s snaps and finished with a tackle, an assist, and a quarterback hit. It was a nice debut since he hadn’t had much time to get accustomed to the NFL speed. While Lawrence is expected to be a part of the Cowboys’ defensive end rotation with Jeremy Mincey, George Selvie and Anthony Spencer, expect to see an increase in snaps as he progresses. He’s a nice buy low right now given the long-term potential and opportunity at the position in Dallas.

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Christian Jones, WLB CHI

With Lance Briggs injured and Khaseem Greene a disaster, Jones started at weakside linebacker in week eight. He finished week eight with two tackles, eight assists and a pass defense on 100 percent of the team’s snaps. He struggled defending the run, but the staff’s confidence to send him out there every play is positive. While a failed drug test last spring caused him to go undrafted, he’s an extremely athletic player with long-term potential. He could emerge like Vontaze Burfict did in 2013. Given the upside, Jones should be rostered in moderate depth and deeper leagues. The only risk is that he’s moved to the strongside long-term, but the current acquisition cost is extremely cheap.

Chris Borland, ILB SF

In the absence of Patrick Willis, Borland has been tremendous. As a starter for two games, he has 22 tackles, four assists and a sack – insane rookie production. His 15 tackle performance in week nine will make it extremely difficult to bench him. Expect to see Borland next to Willis once Willis returns to the lineup. Obviously, the issue with Borland is that the Bowman return will relegate him to the bench, but Borland is someone who could pay off nicely long-term given his performance thus far as a rookie.

Shariff Floyd, DT MIN

Floyd was a huge disappointment as a rookie and the draft talk of his short arms hindering his NFL success appeared to be valid. However, Floyd appears to have finally broken out over the last three weeks with 11 tackles, seven assists and two and a half sacks to go with five hurries and two quarterback hits. He’s making plays and playing just as much, if not more, than fellow tackle Linval Joseph. Floyd’s now a viable weekly starter in defensive tackle required leagues.

Telvin Smith, WLB JAX

While Smith is presented with an increased opportunity with Paul Posluszny out, he’s still not playing a ton of snaps. Smith is starting, but is only playing 50 to 60 percent of the snaps. While it’d be great to see what he could do as an every down player, he’s still been productive on a per snap basis. Smith is someone to continue to watch through the close of the season despite the relative disappointment in his playing time to date. His speed is perfect for today’s game, so if he continues to make plays on a smaller share of snaps and proves he can compete physically on a consistent basis at the NFL level, he should become a solid LB2. 

Emmanuel Lamur, SLB CIN

Lamur is having a breakout year. He’s a dynamic playmaker that continues to tally the stats – whether it’s tackles or passes defended. Lamur is playing every down and should prove to be a long-term viable IDP option even when Vontaze Burfict returns from injury. This is nothing more than an affirmation that Lamur should be an IDP fixture for the foreseeable future.

Avery Williamson, ILB TEN

Williamson continues to start at inside linebacker and see meaningful snaps for the Titans. His snap count has increased over the last few weeks and is beginning to become more active in the box score. He’s still not receiving a ton of attention as, absent week nine, his numbers haven’t been dominant. Given the increasing snap count and the likelihood that he’ll continue to improve, he’s a perfect long-term IDP play.

Jamie Collins, SLB NE

Talk about breakout year. Collins is another player who’s put together a solid season thus far. Not only has he broken out, but he’s getting better as the year progresses. Tabbed as a potential breakout candidate this past off-season, Collins hasn’t disappointed. He’s excelled in coverage, gotten to the quarterback (eight hurries in the last two weeks) and stepped up in the absence of Jerod Mayo. He’s an ideal dynasty building block as he still has room to improve.

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Jonathan Newsome, OLB IND

Newsome excelled on special teams and continues to earn defensive playing time. Over the last three weeks, he’s played 35 to 60 percent of the team’s snaps and is used in passing situations as an edge rusher or is asked to drop-back in coverage. The increased playing time led to nine tackles, three assists, a forced fumble and two sacks. Newsome is excelling in Coach Chuck Pagano‘s system as they’re taking advantage of his quickness. Overall, Newsome is a great big-play scoring option.

Sam Barrington, ILB GB

Barrington started over Jamari Lattimore in week eight and finished five tackles and two assists on 65 percent of the team’s snaps. It’s unclear if this is a permanent change, but rumor is that the Packers’ staff wants to see if Barrington is a long-term solution inside. This situation should be monitored in deep leagues.

Follow Steve on Twitter at @SteveWyremski

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